Good strategy for opposition to use own logos, say analysts

Good strategy for opposition to use own logos, say analysts

Analyst James Chin said Pakatan Harapan’s decision for its coalition parties to use their own logos in Sarawak would likely to have an overall positive effect.

PETALING JAYA: The opposition parties’ decision to use their own logos and push their respective manifestos in the coming Sarawak elections is a logical move and a good strategy, two political analysts say.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute said in practice, Sarawak Pakatan Harapan “does not exist”, referring to the coalition that comprises DAP, PKR and Amanah.

The PKR and DAP chapter in East Malaysia has been at odds recently, with Sarawak PKR accusing the state DAP of not cooperating in seat negotiations for the state elections, a charge the latter denied. DAP has already announced candidates in 18 of the 26 constituencies it will contest.

“So in terms of strategy, it was the only outcome that was possible,” Chin told FMT.


James Chin.

And while it remains to be seen whether such a tactic is successful, he said, it was apparent that PKR would be vying for rural seats and DAP for urban or semi-urban seats, with the manifestos of the respective parties tailored to woo their constituents.

Chin felt that the overall effect would be positive, and said the impact of logos and symbols was not as strong in Sarawak’s rural areas compared to the pull they had in West Malaysia.

In rural Sarawak, he explained, it depended on the personality involved, so if a party fielded a strong candidate, the “logo wouldn’t matter”.

“So overall, the move to use their own logos has a neutral effect. It’s a logical thing to do.”

Awang Azman Pawi.

Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said it was a good strategy for PH components to contest under their own logos and have separate manifestos.

This would allow the parties to put forward several offers, including ones that were “niche”-based to suit voters. DAP could play up issues close to the Chinese community while PKR could focus on matters such as rural infrastructure and ancestral land.

However, their political rivals might use this against them by accusing PH components of sleeping in the same bed but ultimately having different dreams.

“It also gives the impression that they do not want to come together to produce a joint manifesto,” he said.

Still, PH should not be underestimated, Awang said, as they had their supporters despite the criticisms levelled at the coalition.

“We must also keep in mind that PH Sarawak has autonomy and is different from PH in West Malaysia.”

On Nov 25, Sarawak PH chief Chong Chieng Jen announced that all three parties would use their own party logos, while earlier this week, state PKR acting chairman Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh said the component parties would not campaign on a single manifesto for the state elections.